This year’s Pitchfork Music Festival lineup is absolutely killer (…as usual). Well before the time slot schedule is released, you start putting together a wish list of sorts, creating the hierarchy of artists and bands you plan to see. Inevitably though, you run into scheduling conflicts and time slots where you don’t know who to see. We feel your pain, but look at it as a chance go see a great artist you haven’t seen before. We’ve created a day-by-day guide to help ease some of those difficult scheduling decision.
Day 1: Friday July 15th
Beach House – For people who like: Grizzly Bear, Toro Y Moi, St. Vincent, Deerhunter, Youth Lagoon, Warpaint, and Atlas Sound.
An American “dream” pop band, Beach House has put out numerous critically acclaimed albums, starting with their first, self-titled album Beach House back in 2006. Nothing but good vibes here. This is the music you that plays when you imagine yourself flying past “ the second star to the right, and straight on till morning” (Peter Pan reference).
Moses Sumney – For people who like: Empress Of, Bobby McFerrin, Sun Rai, Silk Rhodes, Tomemitsu
“Moses Sumney is a Soul-Folk Warrior” SPIN. There aren’t 3 (or more) words that can better describe the passion and sound of Moses Sumney. If you want to be completely blown away, please go see this man live. If you don’t believe me, watch him perform “Everlasting Sigh” and “Replacable”.
Mick Jenkins – For people who like: Chance The Rapper, Isaiah Rashad, Joey Bada$$, Vince Staples, Schoolboy Q
A Chicagoan, not afraid to bring the harsh truths of society right out in front. A conscious rapper who has been praised for his though provoking lyrics. Mick Jenkins has been gaining momentum since the release of Wave[s] last summer, and recent collaborations with producers like Kaytranada and BADBADNOTGOOD. Watch his video for “Jazz”
Day 2: Saturday July 16th
Digable Planets – For people who like: A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, The Pharcyde, The Roots, Gangstarr, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth
Classic 90’s New York hip-hop at its finest. Digable Planets will be rockin the mic over their traditional head nodding flows layered over smooth jazz, funk and soul samples. If you want laid back, summer backyard barbeque vibes, look no further.
Brian Wilson – For people who like: The Beach Boys, Randy Newman, Paul McCartney, The Monkees
As the leader and co-founder of The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson arranged and produced Pet Sounds which is highly regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time. Wilson is widely known as one of the most influential and innovative musicians, leading the charge for 90’s pop music. Rolling Stone has ranked Wilson as the 12th greatest songwriters of all time, and NME ranked him as the 8th greatest producer of all time. It’s not every day that you get to see a living legend take the stage and perform some of the most beautiful songs ever composed.
Blood Orange – For people who like: Toro Y Moi, Future Islands, Purity Ring, Youth Lagoon, Active Child, Twin Shadow
Blood Orange, aka Dev Hynes, is a multi-talented musician, author, and director. His 3 areas of expertise really come together through his music. His ability to tell stories, write great music, and then provide striking visuals make Hynes one of music’s few “jack of all trades”, and greatly enhances the sound and message of his music. Airy synths, dreamy guitar riffs, and soft vocals will make you feel like your floating on a cloud while time traveling through the 80’s and 90’s. Check out the video for “You’re Not Good Enough” below.
Sufjan Stevens – For people who like: Andrew Bird, Fleet Foxes, Iron & Wine, Bon Iver, Beirut
A little bit of indie pop, a little bit of folk, and occasionally some electronica, Sufjan Stevens’ only super consistent trait is releasing great music. Stevens releases the kind of music that requires active listening, perfect for an old school festival like Woodstock where the times, vibes were different, and it was okay to sit down for a concert. That’s not to say he doesn’t fit in into today’s festivals, because he does, especially in the lineup for Pitchfork. If you want to listen to someone pour their soul out over instruments don’t miss Sufjan Stevens.
Savages – For people who like: DIIV, Androgynous Mind, Parquet Courts, Mikal Cronin
This London based post-punk band is really starting to gain momentum in the states. Their first album Silence Yourself reached the 19th spot on UK’s billboards, and with the release of their second album Adore Life, just a few months ago in January, Savages looks to take the US by storm. According to their manifesto “SAVAGES is not trying to give you something you didn’t have already, it is calling within yourself something you buried ages ago, it is an attempt to reveal and reconnect your PHYSICAL and EMOTIONAL self and give you the urge to experience your life differently”. Check out their down-tempo video for “Adore” and the bit more energetic “The Answer” below.
Day 3: Sunday July 17th
Kamasi Washington – For people who like: Thundercat, The Breathing Effect, Holly Herndon, BadBadNotGood
Kamasi Washington is an accomplished jazz saxophonist from LA. He’s worked with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Horace Tapscott, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Flying Lotus, Lauryn Hill, and many more. His music not only transcends generations, but also music genres. Washington released his solo album The Epic last summer, AllMusic critic Thom Jurek described the album as “a holistic in breadth and deep in vision, it provides a way into this music for many, and challenges the cultural conversation about jazz without compromising or pandering.” Watch Kasami perform live on KCRW below.
Sun Ra Arkestra – For people who like: Alice Coltrane, Art Ensemble of Chicago, Pharoah Sanders, Ornette Coleman
The jazz equivalent of the Parliament Funkadelic. Sun Ra brings everything you like about jazz and adds some zanny synth keyboards in for good measure. As you travel with Sun Ra Arketstra through the jazz universe, you’ll venture through the calmest, smoothest worlds, and suddenly be catapulted into chaotic, anxiety inducing portals, only to be shot back out into the real world wondering, “What exactly just happened, and how can I go back?” Check out their live performance for NPR below.
FKA Twigs – For people who like: James Blake, Purity Ring, Glass Animals, Grimes, Jamie XX, Banks
FKA Twigs in an experimental, Trip Hop artist who in the past has been accused of being “weird”, and in the world of music that is often a huge compliment. Without being different, it’s impossible to stand out, and usually when people label someone as “weird”, they usually don’t fully comprehend what they’re witnessing. FKA Twigs does have some fascinating visuals for her music, which out of context, could be weird. However they really compliment and convey the vision he has for the song, as well as herself as an artists. Watch FKA’s video for “Water Me” below.